Rainbow Wahine rested and ready

By Stephen Tsai
Advertiser Staff Writer

Following a spirited break-of-dawn practice, the University of Hawai'i women's basketball team declared itself fit — physically and emotionally — for tomorrow's Women's National Invitation Tournament game at Arizona State.

"It's a good flight," UH coach Vince Goo said. "The airport (in Phoenix) is right next to Tempe. It's like Kaimuki and Kahala."

According to Goo, the Rainbow Wahine will arrive "at 8, go to the hotel at 9, wait a little because the rooms probably won't be ready, take a short nap and then practice at 3 o'clock."

Goo said he does not mind playing on the road, where the Rainbow Wahine went 2-7 this season, nor ending up in the WNIT for the fourth consecutive year. Unlike the three previous years, in which the Rainbow Wahine felt they deserved NCAA invitations, Goo said this year's team was more worthy of a WNIT bid.

The emotions from last year's NCAA snub, Goo said, carried over into the WNIT, partially resulting in the Rainbow Wahine's first-round loss.

"Emotions play a part in a lot of things," Goo said. "They can be distractions. This time, we're going (into the WNIT) without any disappointments. We'll have some fun and play."

Goo said UH did not bid to host a WNIT game because of financial constraints. UH would have had to offer a large guarantee to bring an opponent to the Islands.

"It would have cost us a lot of money," he said. "I can understand our administration's thoughts on that."

Goo said the Rainbow Wahine are more confident after winning their last two road games. With the Arizona State men's team playing a road game that day, Goo does not anticipate a large crowd for his game.

Goo said his players are well-rested. They did not practice Saturday, Sunday or Monday. Yesterday's practice "was great," he said. "I was surprised we had such a spirited practice."